Statement of the G7 Ambassadors on the Supreme Court Selection Process

November 23, 2017

TheG7 Ambassadors note that the Supreme Court selection process was significantly >more transparent and competitive than in years past, which is a sign of forward momentum for Ukraine’s judicial reform. This reform is crucial to advancing Ukraine’s reform agenda and fulfilling the demands of the Ukrainian people stemming from their clearly expressed aspirations to live in a modern and democratic country.

The new Supreme Court justices appointed by President Poroshenko are assuming a heavy responsibility. The Ukrainian people and the international community will closely scrutinize how these new justices conduct themselves on and off the bench. In that regard, we encourage all new judges to fulfill their obligations of transparency, independence, integrity, and adherence to the rule of law. Ultimately, the standing and credibility of the new Supreme Court will depend on how it meets the expectations of the Ukrainian people. We encourage the new Supreme Court justices to build public trust by carefully considering the integrity of the candidates when electing the President of the Supreme Court and the Presidents of its four chambers.

We also note that the renewal of the judiciary has just begun. Many lessons learned through this first step can be applied to appointments of the remaining Supreme Court, appellate, and trial judges. The results of the Supreme Court selection process reflect the need to evaluate the procedures more closely to ensure improvements going forward, as well as to continue engaging with civil society to allow for a constructive dialogue to take place between stakeholders. In doing so, Ukraine will continue to build institutions of integrity worthy of the trust and respect of the Ukrainian people.

Source: Embassy of Italy in Ukraine

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